A Historic Shutout at the Winter Classic
In a remarkable display of skill and poise, Seattle Kraken's goaltender Joey Daccord earned a place in the history books by shutting out the Vegas Golden Knights with a commanding 3-0 victory. This win at the 2024 NHL Winter Classic on Monday not only showcased Daccord's prowess between the pipes but also marked the first shutout in the history of the Winter Classic series.
Daccord, who faced down a barrage of 35 shots, remained an impenetrable force throughout the game, securing his fifth shutout in the league's celebrated outdoor games. His stellar performance echoed his previous shutout against the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2023, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable goaltenders in the league.
Team Effort Leads to Victory
The Kraken's center, Matty Beniers, had high praise for Daccord's consistent excellence in goal. "You always talk about goalies and what a really good goalie is, and the best way to describe it is he saves the ones he needs to and then he saves one or two more that he shouldn't save. And that's what he's done for us basically every game," Beniers reflected on Daccord's contribution to the team's success.
Key moments in the game saw Daccord make crucial saves against top Golden Knights players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. These pivotal stops helped maintain the Kraken's momentum and ultimately led to their victory. Following the game, fans at T-Mobile Park voiced their appreciation for Daccord's heroics, chanting his name in a moment of pure sports euphoria.
Offensively, the Kraken were no less impressive. Eeli Tolvanen played a crucial role, scoring a goal and providing an assist. He skillfully redirected a shot from teammate Vince Dunn to open the scoring early in the first period. Later, Will Borgen capitalized on Tolvanen's assist to extend the lead in the second period. The scoring was rounded off by Yanni Gourde, who stole the puck and found the back of the net early in the third period, ensuring the Kraken's triumph.
This latest win continues a remarkable run of form for the Seattle team, extending their point streak to nine games, boasting a record of 7 wins, 0 losses, and 2 overtime/shootout losses.
Coaches' Perspectives
Seattle Kraken's coach Dave Hakstol expressed his satisfaction with both the victory and the event itself. "To have the opportunity to do this in this ballpark, in front of our home fans, get the result that everybody wanted makes it pretty special, and that's the best way to remember this event," Hakstol said, highlighting the unique atmosphere that the Winter Classic brings.
On the other side of the rink, the mood was less celebratory. The Vegas Golden Knights, facing their fifth loss in six games, left head coach Bruce Cassidy expressing disappointment in his team's performance. "It got to be 2-0, and we didn't have the urgency required early on. By the time we got it, we're chasing the game, which has happened to us lately," Cassidy lamented, pointing to a pattern of slow starts and missed opportunities that have plagued the team.
Cassidy further commented on the Golden Knights' sluggish opening play, "I'm a little disappointed in that we weren't better out of the gate." Meanwhile, Mark Stone, the Golden Knights' forward, suggested that fatigue might be playing a role in the team's recent struggles.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are set to return to the ice soon, with the Golden Knights looking to bounce back against the Florida Panthers on January 4. The Kraken, riding high on their recent success, will host the Ottawa Senators on the same day, aiming to continue their impressive point streak.
As the season progresses, the Seattle Kraken will look to build on their formidable performances, with Joey Daccord's goaltending prowess serving as a cornerstone of their success. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights will seek to regroup and regain their competitive edge as they face upcoming challenges in the NHL calendar.